Glossary

Keyword definitions.

This glossary contains terms (including abbreviations) likely to be found in recent literature of Australian vocational education and training (VET) research and policy.

Where a term has a broader general meaning, the definition given refers to its use in the VET context. Many of these terms have been drawn from A glossary of Australian vocational education and training terms from the National Centre for Vocational Education and Research (NCVER).

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M
N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

Australian Apprenticeships

Australian Apprenticeships is the new name for the scheme formerly known as 'New Apprenticeships'. Under the scheme the Australian Government incentives and personal benefits programme are still the same.

Australian Apprenticeships still encompass all apprenticeships and traineeships. They combine time at work with training and can be full-time, part-time or school-based.

Australian Apprenticeships Access Program

see 'Access Program'

AAAP

Australian Apprenticeships Access Program; see 'Access Program'

Australian Apprenticeships Job Pathways website

The Australian Apprenticeships Job Pathway website (www.aajobpathways.com.au) features over 2,000 potential Australian Apprenticeships job titles, with a training summary, derived from relevant training packages. The site also features Job Pathway charts that illustrate the career progression people can pursue in major industry sectors. The site is aimed at students, career practioners, job applicants, parents and organisations who service the needs of these groups.

AASS

see 'Australian Apprenticeships Support Services'

Australian Apprenticeships Support Services

(or AASS) support services provided to an apprentice, employer, or other interested person under the terms of a contract between the Australian Apprenticeships Centre and the Australian Government.

Australian Apprenticeships Training Information Service

This DEST funded Service (go to www.aatinfo.com.au or call 1800 338 022) provides online access to Australian Apprenticeships training information, job and training package pathway charts, and marketing resources for Australian Apprenticeships Centres, Registered Training Organisations and other stakeholders.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples' Training Advisory Council

(or ATSIPTAC) - now AITAC

Aboriginal education

(also called indigenous education) education or education programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Aboriginal Study Assistance Scheme

see 'ABSTUDY'

Aboriginal Tutorial Assistance Scheme

(or ATAS) a government program providing supplementary tutorial assistance and other kinds of study help to indigenous students in school or further education.

ABS

Australian Bureau of Statistics.

ABSTUDY

Aboriginal Study Assistance Scheme,a government scheme providing financial assistance to indigenous students in school or further education.

academic advisor

a person working in an educational institution who assists students to choose and plan their study program.

academic award

see 'award'

acceleration

progression through an education or training program at a faster rate than usual.

access and equity

a policy or set of strategies to make vocational education and training available to all members of the community, to increase participation and to improve outcomes, particularly focussing on those groups that have been traditionally under-represented, especially women,indigenous Australians, people with a disability,people from a non-English-speaking background,and people from rural and remote areas.

access course

a preparatory, prevocational or bridging course which prepares a student for further study or training.Access courses are offered particularly for immigrants, overseas students and adults who are seeking to re-enter the workforce.

Access Program

(also called Australian Apprenticeships Access Program) a program providing pre-apprenticeship and pre-traineeship training for people who are registered as unemployed and are disadvantaged in the labour market and need preliminary training before they can successfully participate in an apprenticeship or traineeship.

ACCI

Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

accreditation

the formal recognition of a course by the state or territory course accrediting body in accordance with the Standards for state and territory Registering / Course Accrediting Bodies (ANTA 2001)

accredited course

In areas where Training Package qualifications are not available accredited courses may be developed. The NTIS provides details of nationally accredited courses and the training providers delivering the training.

accrediting body

see 'state or territory Accrediting Body' alignment process of relating groups of competencies with a definable work outcome, to an AQF level.

accrediting authority

an organisation with the authority and responsibility for accrediting courses and training programs.

ACE

see 'adult and community education'

ACEE

Australian Centre for Equity through Education.

ACER

see 'Australian Council for Educational Research'

ACFE

(in Victoria) Adult, Community and Further Education.

achievement

the attainment of a specified standard of performance.

ACIRRT

Australian Centre for Industrial Relations Research and Training, a research centre at the University of Sydney.

ACIVC

see 'Australian Council of Independent Vocational Colleges'

ACM

Australian Chamber of Manufactures, now part of the Australian Industry Group

ACOTAFE

Australian Committee on Technical and Further Education. See also 'Kangan Report'

ACPET

see 'Australian Council for Private Education and Training'

ACRC

Australian Competency Research Centre, based at the Barton Institute of TAFE.

ACSA

see 'Australian Curriculum Studies Association'

action learning

learning by working on real problems, implementing solutions, and reviewing and reflecting on the learning process.

active learning

learning driven primarily by the learner, with the instructor acting as a facilitator. See also 'self-directed learning'

ACTRAC

see 'Australian Committee for Training Curriculum'

ACTRAC Products Limited

Australian Committee for Training Curriculum Products Limited, now known as Australian Training Products Limited (ATP).

ACTU

Australian Council of Trade Unions.

ACVETS

see 'Australian Committee on Vocational Education and Training Statistics'

admission criteria

requirements,such as educational qualifications, knowledge, skills or experience, for entry to a particular course.

adult and community education

1 (or ACE education and training) intended principally for adults, including general, vocational, basic and community education, and recreation, leisure and personal enrichment programs.
2 (also called ACE sector the organisations and providers who deliver adult and community education programs, including evening and community colleges, Workers Educational Associations (WEA),community adult education centres, neighbourhood houses, churches, schools, TAFE institutes, universities (continuing education), University of the Third Age (U3A).

ADTAC

see 'Australian Disability Training Advisory Council'

adult basic education

(or ABE) remedial or school-level education for adults, usually with emphasis on the literacy, numeracy and social skills needed to function within the community or to gain employment.

Adult and Community Education

(ACE) is an important part of a continuum of learning which offers choices of learning outcomes at various stages of an individual's development. Generally the defining features of ACE are that it is learner-centred, responsive to community, accessible, and diverse, varied and flexible

adult education

education of adults; education programs designed for adults, often incorporating approaches to education which draw on the learner's life or work experiences, involve learners in planning the learning activities, encourage learning in groups, as well as more self-directed learning.

adult learners week

premier annual event for ACE

adult learning

the processes by which adults learn and build on their existing knowledge andskills.

Adult Learning Australia Inc

(or ALA) the peak organisation for adult and community education providers and participants

adult migrant education

education programs which aim to assist adult immigrants and refugees in their settlement in Australia, including English language and literacy programs. See also 'Adult Migrant English Program' and 'Advanced English for Migrants Program'

Adult Migrant English Program

(or AMEP) an education and settlement program funded by the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs for new immigrants and refugees providing English language teaching, counselling and support services.

Adult Migrant English Service

(or AMES) - in NSW and Tasmania - a provider of English language and literacy programs and related services, including workplace training programs and consultancies for newly arrived immigrants, jobseekers, workplace clients and youth.

Adult Multicultural Education Services

(or AMES) - in Victoria - a provider of English language and literacy programs and related services,also assisting clients to access training programs, obtain recognition for overseas qualifications, and gain employment.

advanced certificate

a qualification under the former Register of Australian Tertiary Education (RATE) system of awards.

advanced diploma

a qualification in the vocational education and training and higher education sectors. See also 'Australian Qualifications Framework'

Advanced English for Migrants Program

(or AEMP) a government program assisting immigrant jobseekers to obtain employment and overcome individual barriers to participation in vocational education and training by providing advanced English language training, generally with a vocational focus.

advanced standing

(also called status or credit recognition granted to a student on the basis of previous study (credit transfer) and / or experience (recognition of prior learning), exempting the student from a particular course,subject or module.

AEC

see 'Australian Education Council'

AEI

see 'Australian Education International'

AEMP

see 'Advanced English for Migrants Program'

AEP

see 'National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Policy'

AEShareNet

(in full Australian Education Sharing Network) an online system managed by the Department of Education, Training and Youth Affairs for dealing with copyright issues in the vocational education and training sector.

AESIP

Aboriginal Education Strategic Initiatives Program, now known as the Indigenous Education Strategic Initiatives Program (IESIP).

AEU

see 'Australian Education Union' affirmative action action favouring those groups who tend to suffer from discrimination or who are under-represented in the workforce or in education and training programs.

AHRI

Australian Human Resources Institute.

AIEF

Australian International Education Foundation, now known as Australian Education International (AEI).

AIG

see 'Australian Industry Group'

AIM

Australian Institute of Management.

AIRC

Australian Industrial Relations Commission.

AITAC

see 'Australian Indigenous Training Advisory Council'

AITD

see 'Australian Institute of Training and Development'

ALA

see 'Adult Learning Australia Inc'

ALBE

adult literacy and basic education.

ALGA

Australian Local Government Association.

ALLP

Australian Language and Literacy Policy.

ALMitab

Australian Light Manufacturing Industry Training Advisory Board.

Alon

(also ALON) Adult Learning online database, an information network for the Australian adult learning community.

ALRN

Adult Literacy Research Network.

ALT

adult literacy teaching.

alternative entry

(also called special entry) entry to a course or program by special arrangement where the learner does not meet the standard entry requirements (usually Year 12 or equivalent).

AMEP

see 'Adult Migrant English Program'

AMES

see 'Adult Migrant English Service'

annual student contact hours

(or ASCH) also called annual hours the total nominal hours (supervised) for the modules undertaken in a year, used as a measure of total system delivery, e.g. for an institute, state or territory.

ANTA

See 'New National Training System'. As of 1 July 2005 all responsibilities and functions of ANTA were transferred to the Department of Education Science and Training (DEST).

ANTA Board

the governing body of the Australian National Training Authority (ANTA), responsible for the organisation's performance, advising and providing support to the ANTA Ministerial Council (MINCO)in all of its functions.

ANTA CEOs' Committee

a committee which looks at the implications of proposals before they are considered by the ANTA Board, and advises on these implications. CEOs also individually advise their ministers and consider draft resolutions for the Ministerial Council. The Committee also works to increase co-operation between state and territory vocational education and training systems.

ANTA key research centres

research centres directly funded by the Australian National Training Authority under the Key Vocational Education and Training Research Centres National Project to undertake research and to develop specialist expertise in designated areas, in order to inform vocational education and training policy.

ANTA Ministerial Council

(or MINCO) a body comprising the Australian Government, state and territory ministers responsible for vocational education and training, which decides national policy, objectives and priorities for vocational education and training.

ANTARAC

Australian National Training Authority Research Advisory Council, superseded by the National Research and Evaluation Committee (NREC).

ANZSIC

see 'Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification'

APL

ACTRAC Products Ltd, now known as Australian Training Products Ltd (ATP).

apprentice

a person undertaking training under an apprenticeship. See also 'New Apprenticeships trainee'

apprenticeship

a system of training regulated by law or custom which combines on-the-job training and work experience while in paid employment with formal off-the-job training. The apprentice enters into a contract of training or training agreement with an employer which imposes mutual obligations on both parties. Traditionally, apprenticeships were in trade occupations (declared vocations) and were of four years' duration. See also 'Australian Apprenticeships'

approving authority

a body which approves apprenticeships and traineeships for the purposes of the Workplace Relations Act 1996 and determines the impact of training on productive time for apprenticeships and traineeships which are approved.

APSDEP

Asian and Pacific Skill Development Program.

APSDIN

Asian and Pacific Skill Development Information Network.

AQC

Australian Quality Council.

AQF

see 'Australian Qualifications Framework'

AQTF

see 'Australian Quality Training Framework'

AQFAB

see 'Australian Qualifications Framework Advisory Board'

ARC

(1) see 'Australian Research Council'
(2) (in SA) Accreditation and Registration Council.

ARF

Australian Recognition Framework - now Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF)

ARIS

Adult Education Resource and Information Service, managed by Language Australia.

articulation

the arrangements which facilitate the movement or progression of students from one course to another, or from one education and training sector to another. See also 'advanced standing credit' and 'recognition of prior learning'

ASCED

see 'Australian Standard Classification of Education'

ASCH

see 'annual student contact hours'

ASCO

see 'Australian Standard Classification of Occupations'

ASEAN

Association of South East Asian Nations.

ASF

see 'Australian Standards Framework'

ASIC

(1) see 'Australian Standard Industrial Classification'
(2) 'Australian Seafood Industry Council', a national industry training advisory body.

ASLPR

Australian Second Language Proficiency Rating(s).

ASPBAE

Asia South Pacific Bureau of Adult Education.

assessment

the process of gathering and judging evidence in order to decide whether a person has achieved a standard or objective. See also 'competency-based assessment'

assessment guidelines

an endorsed component of a Training Package which underpins assessment and which sets out the industry approach to valid, reliable, flexible and fair assessment. Assessment guidelines include information concerning: assessment system overview, assessor requirements, designing assessment resources, conducting assessment, sources of information on assessment.

assessment materials

optional component of Training Packages that complement endorsed industry assessment guidelines and could take the form of assessment exemplars or specific assessment tasks and instructions.

assessment tool

a method for the gathering of evidence for assessment, such as a knowledge test or a checklist of practical performance.

assessor

a person qualified to carry out assessment.

associate diploma

a qualification under the former Register of Australian Tertiary Education (RATE) system of awards.

ASTF

see 'Australian Student Traineeship Foundation' (now known as Enterprise and Career Education Foundation - ECEF)

ATA

Automotive Training Australia Ltd, a national industry training advisory body.

ATAS

see 'Aboriginal Tutorial Assistance Scheme'

ATP

see 'Australian Training Products Ltd'

ATS

see 'Australian Traineeship System'

ATSI

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander.

ATSIC

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission.

ATSIPTAC

now known as Australian Indigenous Advisory Council (AITAC)

attainment

reaching a particular level,accomplishing a goal; (in vocational education and training) successful completion of the requirements of a module or course. See also 'statement of attainment'

attendance mode

the nature of a student's attendance at an educational institution, including internal (undertaking all units of study on campus), external (undertaking all units of study off campus), or mixed-mode (a mixture of the two).

attendance pattern

the pattern of a student's attendance at an educational institution according to times of attendance and the number of contact hours.

attrition

(in an educational institution) a reduction in the number of students as a result of dropping out, withdrawing, etc.

attrition rate

the proportion of students starting who discontinue through withdrawal, dropping out, etc.

Audit

means a systematic, independent and documented process for obtaining evidence to determine whether the activities and related outcomes of a training organisation comply with the Australian Quality Training Framework Standards for Registered Training Organisations.

auspicing

the process by which a registered training organisation authorises industry or another training organisation to deliver training and / or conduct assessment.

Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification

(or ANZSIC) a system developed and maintained by the Australian Bureau of Statistics which is used for classifying industries.

Australian Committee for Training Curriculum

(or ACTRAC) a former committee which co-ordinated development of national curricula for vocational education and training. ACTRAC amalgamated with the National Training Board (NTB) to form the Standards and Curriculum Council (SCC) which was later replaced by ANTA's National Training Framework Committee.

Australian Committee on Vocational Education and Training Statistics

(or ACVETS) a committee which advised the ANTA Board on the collection and reporting of vocational education and superseded National Advisory Committee on Vocational Education and Training Statistics (NACVETS), now called the National Training Statistics Committee (NTSC).

Australian Council for Educational Research

(or ACER) an independent national agency undertaking educational research and development.

Australian Council for Private Education and Training

(or ACPET) a national body representing the private education and training sector in Australia.

Australian Council of Independent Vocational Colleges

(or ACIVC) an industry association whose membership is made up of private colleges who deliver business and business related courses.

Australian Courses and Careers Database

see 'OZJAC'

Australasian Curriculum Assessment and Certification Authorities

(ACACA) is the association of chief executive officers of the eight state and territory senior secondary certificate authorities. Its purpose is to promote curriculum, assessment and certification in schooling functions with special reference to senior secondary studies.

Australian Curriculum Studies Association

(ACSA) a professional association of curriculum workers from all levels of education which aims to promote curriculum research and the exchange of information on curriculum developments.

Australian Disability Training Advisory Council

(or ADTAC) a committee which advises the ANTA Board on ways of increasing participation and improving outcomes in vocational education and training for people with a disability.

Australian Education Council

(AEC) a former body comprising the Ministers of Education in each state and territory and the Australian Government. See also 'Ministerial Council on Education, Employment, Training and Youth Affairs' (MCEETYA)

Australian Education International

(AEI) an Australian Government initiative, working with the Australian education and training industry to promote the industry overseas and to advance the internationalisation of Australian education and training. Formerly the Australian International Education Foundation (AIEF).

Australian Education Sharing Network

see 'AEShareNet'

Australian Education Union

(AEU) the peak union and federal lobby group for public teachers and educational workers in Australia.

Australian Flexible Learning Framework is a five-year, national collaborative program of the Australian Government, states and territories in conjunction with ANTA. The Framework identifies five complementary goals that seek to create and share knowledge about flexible learning and to support its take-up in the vocational education and training sector. The goals are creative, capable people; supportive technological infrastructure; world-class online content development, applications and services; enabling policies; problem-solving regulation.

Australian Indigenous Training Advisory Council

(AITAC) a body which advises the ANTA Board on ways of meeting the vocational education and training needs of indigenous Australians.

Australian Industry Group

(AIG) an independent body created by the merger of the Metal Trades Industry Association of Australia and the Australian Chamber of Manufactures, representing about 11,500 companies.

Australian Institute of Training and Development

(AITD) a national association for people involved in training and human resource development.

Australian National Training Authority

(ANTA) a Australian Government statutory authority with reponsibility for the development of national policy, goals and objectives for the vocational education and training sector; the development, management and promotion of the National Training Framework; the administration and funding of national programs; and the collection and analysis of national statistical data on the vocational education and training system. See also 'ANTA Board', 'ANTA CEOs' Committee', 'ANTA Ministerial Council'

Australian Qualifications Framework

(AQF) a nationally consistent set of qualifications for all post-compulsory education and training in Australia

Australian Qualifications Framework Advisory Board

(AQFAB) the body responsible for promoting, guiding and monitoring implementation of the Australian Qualifications Framework and advising the Ministerial Council on Education, Employment, Training and Youth Affairs (MCEETYA) on any required changes to the guidelines.

Australian Quality Training Framework

The Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF) was developed by the Australian National Training Authority in conjunction with States and Territories, the Commonwealth and industry and was implemented from 1 July 2002. The key objective of the AQTF is to provide the basis for a nationally consistent, high quality vocational education and training system for Australia. The AQTF consists of two parts:

• Standards for Registered Training Organisations: and
• Standards for State and Territory Registering / Course Accrediting Bodies.

The AQTF provides national recognition of Registered Training Organisations, qualifications and training products throughout Australia.

Australian Recognition Framework

(ARF) see 'Australian Quality Training Framework'

Australian Research Council

(ARC) a body providing advice to the Department of Education, Training and Youth Affairs on national research priorities and the co-ordination of research policy, and making recommendations on the allocation of resources under a range of approved programs.

Australian Standard Classification of Education

(ASCED) an Australian Bureau of Statistics classification which describes programs according to their subject matter;expected to supersede field of study and discipline group

Australian Standard Classification of Occupations

(ASCO) a hierarchical classification developed and maintained by the Australian Bureau of Statistics which categorises all occupations in the Australian workforce.

Australian Standard Industrial Classification

(ASIC) a system for classifying industries developed by the Australian Bureau of Statistics in use before the Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification (ANZSIC).

Australian Standards Framework

(ASF) a set of eight competency levels established by the National Training Board to serve as reference points for the development and recognition of competency standards. (The Australian Standards Framework is no longer in use).

Australian Student Traineeship Foundation

(ASTF) now known as Enterprise and Career Education Foundation

Australian Traineeship System

(ATS) the former system of traineeships set up after the Kirby Committee of Inquiry into Labour Market Programs (1985). Superseded by Australian Apprenticeships.

Australian Training Awards

a set of awards presented annually to recognise and reward students, apprentices, trainees, employers, training providers and other organisations who have demonstrated high levels of achievement or best practice in vocational education and training.

Australian Training Information Network

(also known as TRAIN) a national vocational education and training information service which has been discontinued.

Australian Training Products Ltd

(ATP) a publishing company and national clearinghouse for all national, crown-copyrighted training materials, including curriculum and non-endorsed components of Training Packages as well as other associated training resources and learning materials. Formerly known as ACTRAC Products Ltd (APL).

Australian Vocational Certificate Training System

(AVCTS) the competency-based vocational training system proposed in the Carmichael Report (1992). Superseded by the Australian Vocational Training System (AVTS), then Modern Australian Apprenticeship and Traineeship System (MAATS), and then by Australian Apprenticeships.

Australian Vocational Education and Training Management Information Statistical Standard

(AVETMIS Standard or AVETMISS) the agreed national data standard for the collection, analysis and reporting of vocational education and training information in Australia. The Standard consists of three parts: the AVETMIS Standard for VET Providers, the AVETMIS Standard for Australian Apprenticeships, and the AVETMIS Standard for Financial Data.

Australian Vocational Education and Training Research Association

(or AVETRA) a national independent association of researchers in vocational education and training.

Australian Vocational Training System

(AVTS) a later name for the Australian Vocational Certificate Training System (AVCTS), a precursor to the Modern Australian Apprenticeship and Traineeship System (MAATS), now known as Australian Apprenticeships.

Australian workplace agreement

(AWA) a written agreement between an employer and an employee about the employee's wages and conditions of employment. AWAs may be negotiated collectively between an employer and a group of employees, as long as they are signed by each employee who wishes to be a party to the agreement.

AUSTUDY

an income support scheme for full-time students aged 25 years and over.

AVC

Australian Vocational Certificate.

AVCC

Australian Vice-Chancellors' Committee.

AVCTS

see 'Australian Vocational Certificate Training System'

AVETMIS Standard

(also called 'AVETMISS') see 'Australian Vocational Education and Training Management Information Statistical Standard'

AVETRA

see 'Australian Vocational Education and Training Research Association' AVETS Australian Vocational Education and Training System.

AVTS

see 'Australian Vocational Training System'

AWA

see 'Australian workplace agreement award'
(1) also called industrial award a determination of an industrial tribunal establishing levels of pay and conditions of employment for workers in a specified industry, occupation, or enterprise. See also 'Australian workplace agreement enterprise agreement'
(2) also called academic award or credential a qualification granted for the satisfactory completion of an accredited course. See also 'Australian Qualifications Framework' award course a course that leads to a recognised qualification.

award restructuring

the changing of industrial awards, including the removal of obsolete classifications, a reduction in the number of classifications, and the redefinition of a range of jobs under single classifications, in order to improve workplace productivity and the efficiency and flexibility of workers.

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M
N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

BACE

(in NSW) Board of Adult and Community Education.

basic skill

a fundamental skill that is the basis of later learning or is essential for employment.

BCA

Business Council of Australia.

benchmarking

the process of comparing an organisation's performance, practices and procedures with those of leaders in the same or a different field of activity, in order to identify areas for improvement.

best practice

management practices and work processes that lead to outstanding or top-class performance and provide examples for others.

block release

the release of an employee from the workplace for periods of time, usually of a week or more, in order to undertake related training in an educational institution. The term applies particularly to apprentices and trainees. Compare 'day release'

bridging course

a course designed to equip students to take up a new subject or course by covering the gaps between the students' existing knowledge and skills and the subject or course prerequisites and assumed knowledge.

BST

Business Services Training Australia, a national industry training advisory body.

business

the collective term used to describe small and large businesses (in both private and public sectors), associations and unions and the individuals operating within them.

BVET

(in NSW) Board of Vocational Education and Training.

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M
N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

cadetship

an employment arrangement in which an employer undertakes to subsidise an employee's formal training leading to certain qualifications, and in which the employee is usually required to remain with the employer for a specified period after completion of training. Source: based on Job Guide Online

CAEC

community adult education centre.

CAI

computer-aided (or computer-assisted) instruction; see 'computer-based training'

CAL

computer-assisted learning.

CALL

computer-assisted language learning.

campus

the grounds and buildings of an educational institution; a branch or part of an institution at a particular location, e.g. the Murray Bridge campus of the Onkaparinga Institute of TAFE.

career counselling

(also called vocational counselling) the process of assisting and guiding people in their career choices.

Carmichael Report

(in full The Australian Vocational Certificate Training System the report (published in 1992) of the Employment and Skills Formation Council, chaired by Laurie Carmichael. The report presented a strategy for meeting Australia's training needs to 2001 and included recommendations for a competency-based Vocational Certificate Training System, flexible delivery arrangements, training participation and attainment targets, and provision of a training allowance.

casual employee

an employee who generally has no entitlement to paid holiday or sick leave and who lacks the security of ongoing employment, with each job constituting a separate contract of employment. Under some awards casual employees are entitled to either holiday leave or sick leave.

casualisation

the trend towards a higher proportion of casual employment in the workforce, often in place of former permanent employment arrangements.

CBT

see 'competency-based training' or 'computer-based training'

CEDEFOP

European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training.

CEET

see 'Centre for the Economics of Education and Training'

Centre for Research and Learning in Regional Australia

(CRLRA) a research centre based at the University of Tasmania, an ANTA research partner for 2000–2002 under the Key Vocational Education and Training Research Centres National Project.

Centre for the Economics of Education and Training

(CEET) a collaborative research centre of Monash University and the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER), an ANTA key research centre for 2000–2002 under the Key Vocational Education and Training Research Centres National Project.

Centrelink

a statutory authority providing information and assistance relating to a range of Australian Government programs, including all services formerly provided by the Department of Social Security, as well as childcare and student assistance payments and services, registration of all new applicants for income support and employment assistance, self-help job search facilities, referrals for employment assistance, and specialist labour market assistance services for disadvantaged groups.

CEO

Chief Executive Officer.

Certificates I – IV

a set of qualifications awarded in the vocational education and training sector and recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). The four levels of certificate recognise increasing levels of skill.

Certificates in General Education for Adults

(CGEA) an adult basic education curriculum, covering reading and writing, oral communication, numeracy and mathematics, and general education skills.

Certificates in Spoken and Written English

(CSWE) a competency-based curriculum framework developed for use in the Adult Migrant English Program.

certification

the formal acknowledgement of successful achievement of a defined set of outcomes.

CESOL

Certificate in English for speakers of other languages.

CGEA

see 'Certificates in General Education for Adults'

CHRDT

Centre for Human Resource Development and Training, based at the University of Melbourne. Formerly known as the Department of Vocational Education and Training (DVET).

CIRCIT

Centre for International Research on Communication and Information Technologies, based at RMIT University.

class contact hours

the number of hours in any given period for which a teacher is programmed to be in contact with classes of students.

client

a person or organisation using a service. In vocational education and training, the client may be a student, apprentice, trainee, employer, enterprise, industry training advisory body, industry organisation, or employment organisation.

client focus

a strategy in which the needs of clients are the primary focus.

client service charter

(also called customer service charter) a document setting out an organisation's undertakings to improve its services to its clients and stakeholders, developed in consultation with clients and stakeholders. The body then reports annually on its performance against its service charter undertakings.

CLMR

Centre for Labour Market Research,a consortium of Curtin University of Technology, Edith Cowan University, Murdoch University and the University of Western Australia.

CLWR

Centre for Learning and Work Research, based at Griffith University.

CML

see 'computer-managed learning'

COAG

Council of Australian Governments.

college

1 an institution providing post-secondary education, especially technical and professional training, e.g.TAFE college, business college.
2 a school, especially a non-government school or a senior secondary school.

Australian Government Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students

(or CRICOS) an online database of courses and educational institutions or providers who are registered to offer courses for overseas students in Australia.

coding

is a system to identify each Training Package, its component qualifications and competency units, as well as "stand alone" competency standards.

Australian Government/State Training Advisory Committee

(COSTAC) a former inter-governmental advisory body on vocational education and training which was superseded by the Vocational Education, Employment and Training Advisory Committee (VEETAC), which was itself replaced by the Australian National Training Authority (ANTA).

community centre

(also called community learning centre, neighbourhood centre) a place providing social, educational and recreational facilities for the community.

community college

an educational institution for adults, offering a range of general, vocational, recreational and leisure courses, as well as subjects for the Senior Secondary Certificate of Education

community education

education programs which are community-based and community-directed and intended primarily for the members of the local community. See also 'adult and community education'

competencies

(see 'unit of competency') term which refers to multiple units of competency

competency

(also competence) the ability to perform tasks and duties to the standard expected in employment.

competency-based assessment

(or CBA) the gathering and judging of evidence in order to decide whether a person has achieved a standard of competence.

competency-based training

(or CBT) training which develops the skills, knowledge and attitudes required to achieve competency standards.

competency standard

an industry-determined specification of performance which sets out the skills, knowledge and attitudes required to operate effectively in employment. Competency standards are made up of units of competency, which are themselves made up of elements of competency, together with performance criteria, a range of variables, and an evidence guide. Competency standards are an endorsed component of a Training Package.

competitive tendering

a system in which providers of a service bid competitively for contracts.

compliance audit

(also compliance assessment) an external assessment of conformity with regulatory requirements, contractual obligations or recognised quality standards.

computer-based training

(also called computer-aided instruction) an educational method in which a computer is the primary medium for instruction and learning.

computer-managed learning

(CML) the use of computer systems and packages for managing learning, automating much of the assessment and administration associated with teaching or training programs. Computer-managed learning differs from computer-based training, in that the computer is not generally used as the primary medium of delivery.

contextualisation

the addition of industry or enterprise specific information to a unit of competency to improve the standards relevance to industry.

continuing education

educational programs for adults, usually at the post-secondary level and offered as part-time or short courses in personal, academic or occupational subject areas.

continuous improvement

a planned process which allows an organisation to systematically review and improve the quality of its products, services and associated processes.

contract of training

(also called training agreement) a legal agreement between an employer and an apprentice or trainee, which defines the rights and responsibilities of each party. These include the employer guaranteeing to train the apprentice or trainee in the agreed occupation or training area, and to allow time off work to attend any required off-the-job training; and the apprentice or trainee agreeing to learn all aspects of the occupation or training area, and to work for the employer for a specified period. Contracts of training supersede indentures.

co-operative learning

a learning method in which students work together in small groups.

Co-operative Research Centres Program

(CRC) Program a program established to strengthen collaborative research links between industry, research organisations, educational institutions and relevant government agencies.

copyright

the exclusive legal right to reproduce, publish or otherwise control the use of a work, granted to the creator, author, composer, artist, publisher, etc. for a specified period.

core competencies

identifies units of competency within a competency standard that an industry has agreed are essential to be achieved if a person is to be accepted as competent at a particular level. All units may be core, but in many cases competency at a level will involve core units plus optional or specialisation units of competency. Core competencies are normally those central to work in a particular industry.

core curriculum

that part of the curriculum which is considered essential for all students, and is usually compulsory.

corporate education

educational programs or services offered by business and industry, either in-house or co-operatively with an educational institution.

correctional education

education or training programs provided for persons in correctional institutions, especially as part of rehabilitation programs.

COSTAC

see 'Australian Government/state training Advisory Committee'

COTA

Council on the Ageing.

course

a structured and integrated program of education or training, usually consisting of a number of modules (subjects) or shorter programs, and leading to the award of a qualification.

course content

the subject matter, activities, units of competency, etc. of a course of study.

course enrolment

see 'enrolment course'

courseware

computer software and associated materials designed for educational or training purposes.

CPSC

Colombo Plan Staff College for Technician Education,an international, regional and inter-governmental organisation based in the Philippines.

CRAFT

Australian Government Rebate for Apprentices in Full-time Training, a subsidy to encourage employers to take on apprentices.

CRC

Co-operative Research Centre; see 'Co-operative Research Centres Program'

CREATE Australia

Cultural Research Education and Training Enterprise Australia, a national industry training advisory body.

credential

formal certification issued for successful achievement of a defined set of outcomes, e.g. successful completion of a course in recognition of having achieved particular knowledge, skills or competencies; successful completion of an apprenticeship or traineeship. See also 'qualification'

credit

(also called status or advanced standing) the acknowledgement that a person has satisfied the requirements of a module (subject) or unit of competency either through previous study (credit transfer) or through work or life experience (recognition of prior learning). The granting of credit exempts the student from that part of the course.

credit transfer

the granting of status or credit by an institution or training organisation to students for modules (subjects) or units of competency completed at the same or another institution or training organisation. See 'credit'

CREEW

Centre for Research in Education, Equity and Work, based at the University of South Australia.

CRICOS

see 'Australian Government Register of Institutions' and 'Courses for Overseas Students'

CRLRA

see 'Centre for Research and Learning in Regional Australia'. Cross-border training training delivered in a state or territory by a provider registered in a different state or territory. See also 'mutual recognition'

CS & HTA cross industry competency standards

units of competency that are common to a number of industries. The units of competency may be grouped to relate to certain functions of work common across those industries. They are developed by recognised competency standards bodies.

Community Services and Health Training Australia

a national industry training advisory body.

CSIRO

Australian Government Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation.

CSWE

see 'Certificates in Spoken and Written English'

CTA

Construction Training Australia, a national industry training advisory body.

current competency

a competency currently possessed by a person. People can lose competence over time, and having been competent in the past may need further training and practice to demonstrate current competency. See also 'recognition of current competencies'

curriculum

the specifications for a course or subject (module) which describe all the learning experiences a student undergoes, generally including objectives, content, intended learning outcomes, teaching methodology, recommended or prescribed assessment tasks, assessment exemplars, etc.

Curriculum Corporation

a company owned by all state, territory and Australian Government Ministers of Education, which facilitates curriculum development among schools. Curriculum Corporation also manages two major national databases: OZJAC (the Australian Courses and Careers Database) and SCIS (the Schools Catalogue Information Service).

curriculum hours

the teaching time deemed necessary to cover the content of a course, subject or module when undertaken in standard classroom delivery mode.

CURVE

Centre Undertaking Research in Vocational Education, at the Canberra Institute of Technology.

customer service charter

see 'client service charter'

customisation

tailoring to individual requirements; (in vocational education and training) the process of tailoring a program to meet the specific needs of clients. Customised qualifications are devised by Registered Training Organisations, created through combining competency standards drawn from two or more different endorsed Training Packages to create a new qualification outcome. Such qualifications must meet the requirements of the Australian Qualifications Framework, the Customisation Policy of the National Training Quality Council and the customisation advice of the relevant Training Packages.

CVA

Canadian Vocational Association.

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M
N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

day release

the release of an employee from the workplace, usually for one day per week, in order to undertake related training in an educational institution. The term applies particularly to apprentices and trainees. Compare 'block release'

declared vocation

a trade occupation specified in legislation, regulations or an industrial award for which the entrance requirement is successful completion of an apprenticeship. With the implementation of Australian Apprenticeships, declared vocations have been abolished in most states and territories.

DECS

(in the ACT) Department of Education and Community Services.

DEET

Department of Employment, Education and Training, superseded by the Department of Employment, Education, Training and Youth Affairs (DEETYA).

DEETYA

Department of Employment, Education, Training and Youth Affairs, superseded by the Department of Education, Training and Youth Affairs (DETYA) and the Department of Employment, Workplace Relations and Small Business (DEWRSB).

DETYA

Department of Employment, Education, Training and Youth Affairs, superseded by the Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST).

degree

a qualification conferred in the higher education sector on successful completion of a course of study or as an honour. See also 'Australian Qualifications Framework'

delivery and assessment strategies

means delivery and assessment strategies for each qualification, or part thereof, within the registered training organisation's scope of registration. Delivery and assessment strategies are determined and developed by the registered training organisation with industry input into the development of the assessment strategy. Each delivery and assessment strategy should include identification of the target groups, delivery and assessment modes and strategies and pathways for learning and assessment.

delivery type

a classification in AVETMISS which describes the method(s) used to impart the knowledge or skills required to complete a module or unit of competency.

demand occupation

(also called occupation in demand) an occupation in which there is an actual or expected shortage of qualified workers.

Department of Education, Science and Training

(DEST) the Australian Government Department responsible for public and private schools and school systems, higher education institutions and research, vocational education and training, student and youth affairs, school to work transition programs, indigenous employment and education, and internationalisation of Australia's education and training systems. Formerly, the Department of Education,Training and Youth Affairs (DETYA),and before that the Department of Employment, Education,Training and Youth Affairs (DEETYA) and earlier the Department of Employment, Education and Training (DEET).

deregulation

the removal of regulations that control or restrict the operations of an industry or enterprise.

DET

(in NSW) Department of Education and Training.

DET

(in Queensland) Department of Employment and Training

DETE

(in SA)Department of Education, Training and Employment.

Deveson Report

in full Training costs of award restructuring: Report of the Training Costs Review Committee the report (published in 1990) of an independent review committee chaired by Ivan Deveson.The report established the concept of the open training market which encourages diversity and competition amongst vocational education and training providers.

DEWRSB

Department of Employment, Workplace Relations and Small Business.

DfEE

(in the UK) Department for Education and Employment.

DHTVET

(in Cambodia) Department of Higher Technical and Vocational Education and Training.

DIMA

Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs.

diploma

a qualification in the vocational education and training and higher education sectors. See also 'Australian Qualifications Framework'

disability

a physical or mental incapacity, either congenital or resulting from an injury or illness etc.

discipline

a branch or area of learning.

discipline group

a classification in AVETMISS which describes the primary content of a module, independently of the course or context in which it may be taught.

distance education

(also called external studies) a mode of education in which students enrolled in a course do not attend the institution, but study off-campus and may submit assignments by mail or email.

DOVE

(in Thailand) Department of Vocational Education.

dropout

a person who discontinues a program of education or training.

DTAVE

(in Myanmar) Department of Technical, Agricultural and Vocational Education.

DTVE

(in Indonesia) Directorate of Technical and Vocational Education.

dual accreditation

(also called dual recognition recognition of a course both academically (by a school or college) and vocationally (by an employer or industry).

dual enrolment

enrolment of a student in two institutions at the same time.

Dusseldorp Skills Forum

an independent non-profit association aiming to stimulate innovation in education; to promote skills development in the wider community, especially in young people; and to emphasise the importance of the workforce in Australia's continuing development.

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M
N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

ECEF

See 'Enterprise and Careers Education Foundation'

EdNA

(also called EdNA Online or Education Network Australia) -an Australian network of education services (at www.vet.edna.edu.au) covering the schools, vocational education and training (VET), adult and community education (ACE), and higher education sectors.

EdNA VET Advisory Group

see 'Flexible Learning Advisory Group'

education

(1) the process of imparting knowledge or developing skills, understanding, attitudes, character or behaviours.
(2) the process of acquiring knowledge, skills, understanding, attitudes, etc.
(3) the knowledge, skills, understanding, attitudes,etc. acquired.
(4) the field of study concerned with teaching and learning.

educational assessment

see 'assessment'

educational institution

any establishment providing education, including schools, colleges, universities and institutes.

Education.Au Limited

a company owned by the Ministers of Education and Training in all states, territories and the Australian Government which aims to foster collaboration and co-operation in relation to the use of the internet in education, managing Education Network Australia (EdNA) on behalf of the Australian education community. Education.Au Limited was formerly known as the Open Learning Technology Corporation (OLTC) Ltd.

Education Network Australia

see 'EdNA'

education provider

an organisation which administers or delivers education programs particularly, but may also deliver training programs. See also 'vocational education' and 'training provider'

EEO

equal employment opportunity.

element of competency

any of the basic building blocks of a unit of competency which describe the key activities or elements of the work covered by the unit.

ELICOS

English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students.

ELLS

see 'English Language and Literacy Services'

ELT

see 'entry-level training'

employed person

a person who works in a job or business or on a farm, either as an employee, employer, own account worker, or contributing family worker.

employee

The Australian Bureau of Statistics defines employee in the following way: An employee is a person who works for a public or private employer and receives remuneration in wages, salary, a retainer fee by their employer while working on a commission basis, tips, piece-rates or payment in kind, or a person who operates his or her own incorporated enterprise with or without hiring employees. Source: ABS cat. no. 6203.0, Labour Force, Australia, August 1999, p.69

employer

The Australian Bureau of Statistics defines employer as: An employer is a person who operates his or her own unincorporated economic enterprise or engages independently in a profession or trade, and hires one or more employees. Source: ABS cat. no. 6203.0, Labour Force, Australia, August 1999, p.69

employment

a person's work, occupation or business.

Employment and Skills Formation Council

(or ESFC) a council of the former National Board of Employment, Education and Training which was responsible for vocational education and training and employment issues. The ESFC no longer exists.

endorsed component

the central part of a Training Package, endorsed by the National Training Quality Council, comprising competency standards, assessment guidelines and qualifications. Compare non-endorsed component

endorsement approval

the term used for the formal approval or recognition by the National Training Quality Council of the core components of a training package, i.e. the competency standards, assessment guidelines and qualifications. See also 'quality endorsement'

English Language and Literacy Services

(or ELLS) (in SA) a provider of English language and literacy programs for immigrants and refugees, as well as settlement and orientation services, counselling and support services, and assistance to jobseekers.

enrolment

(1) the registration of a person with an education or training provider for the purpose of undertaking a course or module.
(2) the total number of registered participants in an education or training program.

Enterprise and Careers Education Foundation

(ECEF) a new organisation which builds on the achievements of the Australian Student Traineeship Foundation (ASTF). The ECEF supports and encourages effective school-industry partnerships to link businesses, schools and communities to create a greater diversity of learning experiences. The ECEF aims to help young Australians acquire enterprise and career knowledge and experience before they leave school. A key role is the continued promotion of Structured Workplace Learning (SWL) for Year 11 and 12 students.

enterprise agreement

a collective agreement between the employer and employees in an enterprise or workplace, about the employees' wages and conditions of employment. Agreements can be negotiated directly with employees or with their representatives, e.g. unions.

Enterprise and Career Education Foundation

(ECEF) an organisation which promotes partnerships between schools and industry at the local level to develop and implement vocational education and training (VET)in schools programs combining vocational study in school with structured workplace learning.

enterprise bargaining

a process of negotiation on wages and conditions between the employer and employees (or their representatives) in an enterprise or workplace, leading to an agreement for that enterprise or workplace.

entry-level skill

a skill required to commence employment in an organisation or more generally, to gain entry into the workforce.

entry-level training

(or ELT) training undertaken to gain entry into the workforce or further vocational education and training.

entry requirements

the qualifications,knowledge,skills or experience required for entry to an education or training program.

equity

fairness, social justice. In vocational education and training, equity policy incorporates measures to improve access to, participation in, and outcomes of vocational education and training for those who may be disadvantaged or have traditionally been under-represented, especially indigenous Australians, people with a disability, women, people in remote and rural communities, and people from a non-English-speaking background.

equivalency test

a test to measure the extent to which a person's existing knowledge or skills satisfy the requirements of an education or training program or a job. See also 'recognition of prior learning'

ERIC/ACVE

Educational Resources Information Center Clearinghouse on Adult, Career, and Vocational Education, an education information network, part of the National Library of Education, United States Department of Education.

ESB

English-speaking background; contrasts with NESB ESFC see 'Employment and Skills Formation Council'

ESL

English as a second language.

ESOL

English for speakers of other languages.

ESOS

Education Services for Overseas Students.

ESP

English for specific purposes. ESRA Employment Services Regulatory Authority.

EUROP

the official publisher of the institutions of the European Union.

EVAG

see 'EdNA VET Advisory Group'

evaluation

the process or results of an assessment or appraisal in relation to stated objectives, standards, or criteria; in vocational education and training may be applied to organisations, programs, policies, courses, etc.

evening class

a program of education or training offered in the evening.

evidence guide

the part of a competency standard which provides a guide to the interpretation and assessment of the unit of competency, including the aspects which need to be emphasised in assessment, relationships to other units, and the required evidence of competency.

experiential learning

learning through experience, either in a real situation such as a workplace or in role play.

extension education

educational activities such as short courses, evening classes, seminars and workshops provided by educational institutions for people outside their usual student body.

external student

a student enrolled in a course and studying at home or off-campus.

external studies

(also called distance education) a mode of study in which students enrolled in an education or training program do not attend the institution, but study off-campus and may submit assignments by mail or email.

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M
N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

facilitator

a person who helps students learn by discovering things for themselves.

FAFPESC

Forest and Forest Products Employment Skills Company Ltd, a national industry training advisory body.

FE

see 'further education'

fee-for-service training

training for which most or all of the cost is borne by the student or a person or organisation on behalf of the student.

FET

further education and training, a term used especially in South Africa for the vocational education and training (VET)sector.

field of study

a hierarchical classification which describes the major subject matter of a course.

field placement

see 'work placement'

Finn Report

(in full Young people's participation in post-compulsory education and training) the report (published in 1991) of a review committee of the Australian Education Council chaired by Brian Finn. The report proposed new national targets for participation and levels of attainment in post-compulsory education and training, recommended reform of entry-level training arrangements, and identified six key areas of competence essential for all young people in preparation for employment.

FLAG

see 'Flexible Learning Advisory Group'

flexible delivery

a range of approaches to providing education and training, giving learners greater choice of when, where and how they learn. Flexible delivery may involve distance education, mixed-mode delivery, online education, self-paced learning, self-directed learning, etc.

flexible learning

the provision of a range of learning modes or methods, giving learners greater choice of when, where and how they learn. See also 'flexible delivery'

Flexible Learning Advisory Group

(FLAG) is a strategically focused group of senior VET personnel who provide advice on national issues related to the directions and priorities for flexible learning in vocational education and training to a number of national bodies including the ANTA CEOs committee and the ANTA Board.

FNTC

Fiji National Training Council.

formal education

also formal training education or training provided in educational institutions such as schools, universities, colleges, etc.or off the job in a workplace,usually involving direction from a teacher or instructor.

Framing the Future

now known as 'Reframing The Future'

Frontline Management Initiative

(FMI) a training program in management skills and practices for frontline managers in a wide range of industries.

FTE

see 'full-time equivalent'

full-time equivalent

(FTE) a teaching or study load expressed as a proportion of the normal full-time teaching or study load.

full-time student

a student who has a full-time study load. For AUSTUDY entitlement, the Department of Education, Training and Youth Affairs regards a normal full-time study load as 720 student contact hours in a year, and any student undertaking 540 hours or more is regarded as a full-time student.

full-time worker

a person working all the normal working hours.The Australian Bureau of Statistics defines full-time workers as: Employed persons who usually worked 35 hours or more a week (in all jobs) and others who, although usually working less than 35 hours a week, worked 35 hours or more during the reference week. Source: ABS cat. no. 6203.0, Labour Force, Australia, August 1999, p.69

further education

(FE) post-secondary education, including higher education, adult education, and vocational education and training.

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M
N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

general adult education

education programs for adults undertaken for personal enrichment,personal development,general interest or recreation. General adult education programs do not have a specific vocational intent.

generic competencies

see 'key competency'

generic skill

a skill which is not specific to work in a particular occupation or industry, but is important for work, education and life generally, e.g.communication skills, mathematical skills, organisational skills, computer literacy, interpersonal competence, and analytical skills. See also 'key competency'

GNVQ

(in the UK) General National Vocational Qualification. See also 'NVQ'

GREAT

Group for Research in Employment and Training, a research centre based at Charles Sturt University.

Group Training Australia

(GTA) the national professional association for group training companies.

group training company

a company which employs apprentices and trainees, and places them with one or more host employers who are usually small to medium-sized businesses. The host employers provide on-the-job training and experience, while the group training company organises off-the-job training, and handles recruitment, rotation and payroll.

GSVQ

General Scottish Vocational Qualification. See also 'SVQ'

GTA

see 'Group Training Australia'

GTC

see 'group training company'

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M
N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

HECS

1 see 'Higher Education Contribution Scheme'
2 the student's contribution payable under the Higher Education Contribution Scheme.

higher education

post-secondary education offered by a university or other recognised higher education institution, or through Open Learning Australia, leading to the award of a degree or higher level qualification.

Higher Education Contribution Scheme

(HECS) a funding arrangement whereby students pay part of the cost of their higher education, and the Australian Government pays the rest.

Hilmer Report

(in full National Competition Policy) the report (released in 1993) of the Independent Committee of Inquiry chaired by Professor Fred Hilmer which recommended on the form, content and implementation of a national competition policy in all aspects of government services. In the vocational education and training sector this resulted in the development of the open training market.

HR

human resources.

HSC

(NSW) Higher School Certificate. See also 'Senior Secondary Certificate of Education'

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M
N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

ICAE

International Council for Adult Education.

ICEA

International Community Education Association.

IEDA

see 'Indigenous Education Direct Assistance'

IELTS

International English Language Testing System.

IESIP

see 'Indigenous Education Strategic Initiatives Program'

ILM

internal labour market.

ILO

International Labour Organisation; International Labour Office.

indenture

(historically) the legal agreement between an apprentice and an employer under which the apprentice was bound to the employer for a specified period in return for the training received; superseded by contract of training or training agreement.

indigenous education

education of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; educational programs specially designed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Indigenous Education Direct Assistance

(or IEDA) a government program for indigenous Australians comprising the Aboriginal Tutorial Assistance Scheme (ATAS), the Aboriginal Student Support and Parent Awareness (ASSPA) Program, and the Vocational and Educational Guidance for Aboriginals Scheme (VEGAS).

Indigenous Education Strategic Initiatives Program

(or IESIP) the principal government program addressing equity issues in indigenous education, aiming to improve access, participation and outcomes, and to involve indigenous people in decision-making. Previously known as the Aboriginal Education Strategic Initiatives Program (AESIP).

industrial award

see 'award'

industry organisation

an organisation representing an industry, including peak business and employer organisations, as well as specific industry advisory bodies including industry skills councils.

industry restructuring

a process of changing the forms of work organisation within enterprises and across industry in order to improve productivity, competitiveness, quality and flexibility. This may involve job redesign, award restructuring, new technology, and ongoing training or retraining of workers.

industry training advisory body

(or ITAB) also called industry training advisory board or industry advisory body an organisation, usually an incorporated association or company, recognised as representing a particular industry and providing advice to government on the vocational education and training needs of its particular industry. In 2003–2004, ITABs were superceded by industry skills councils. See ANTA's links page for industry contact details.

industry training council

(or ITC) a body established by an industry or business sector to address training issues. See also 'industry training advisory body'

informal education

the acquisition of knowledge and skills through experience, reading, social contact, etc. Compare 'non-formal education'

information literacy

the ability to identify an information need, and then to find, collect, organise, evaluate,and use the information.

in-service training

training and professional development of staff, often sponsored by the employer, and usually provided during normal working hours.

institute of TAFE

a regional grouping of TAFE college campuses with common management and administration and sharing some functions and resources.

instructional design

the design and development of instructional materials and learning activities to meet learning needs.

integrated assessment

an approach to assessment that covers multiple elements and/or units of competence from relevant competency standards. The integrated approach attempts to combine knowledge, understanding, problem solving, technical skills, attitudes and ethics into an assessment task with the aim of reducing the time spent on testing as well as making assessment more 'authentic'.

International Vocational Education and Training Association

(or IVETA) a network of vocational educators, vocational skills training organisations, business and industrial firms, and other individuals and groups interested or involved in vocational education and training worldwide.

ISCED

International Standard Classification of Education.

ISO

International Organisation for Standardisation, also known as International Standards Organisation.

ISO 9000

a set of internationally recognised and accepted standards, some of which specify requirements for quality systems (e.g. ISO 9001), while others provide guidance to aid in the interpretation and implementation of the quality system (e.g. ISO 9000-2).

ITAB

see 'industry training advisory body'

IT Skills Hub (Incorporating the IT&Titab)

national information technology and telecommunications industry advisory body.

ITC

see 'industry training council'

IVETA

see 'International Vocational Education and Training Association'. JAC a former name of OZJAC

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M
N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

JET

see 'Jobs, Education and Training'

job

The Australian Bureau of Statistics defines job as: Any employment, full-time or part-time, lasting two weeks or more. Source: ABS cat. no. 6220.0, Persons not in the labour force, September 1998, p.42

Job and Course Explorer

a former name of OZJAC

Job Guide

a guide produced by the Department of Education,Training and Youth Affairs, giving information on jobs, education and training pathways. The Job Guide is available as a book, on disk and on the internet

Job Network

a network of private, community and government organisations assisting people to find jobs.

Job Placement, Employment and Training Program

(or JPET) a government program assisting young people to overcome problems preventing them from maintaining stable accommodation and entering into education, training or employment.

Jobs Australia Ltd

the national peak association representing not-for-profit community-based organisations providing employment services to jobseekers and employers. Formerly called National SkillShare Association.

Jobs, Education and Training Program

(or JET) a government program assisting eligible Centrelink clients to enter or re-enter the workforce through improved access to training, education and employment opportunities and assistance with childcare.

jobseeker

a person looking for and available for work.

Jobs Pathway Program

(or JPP) a government program designed to assist students in the transition from school to work by developing links between schools, industry and the local community, and through support, guidance, education and training.

JPET

see 'Job Placement, Employment and Training Program'

JPP

see 'Jobs Pathway Program'

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M
N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

Kangan Report

(in full TAFE in Australia: Report on needs in technical and further education) the report (published in 1974)of the Australian Committee on Technical and Further Education chaired by Myer Kangan.The report examined needs and priorities in technical and further education and made a series of recommendations particularly in relation to funding. The report recognised the importance of technical and further education as an integral part of the nation's education system, and saw its primary role as the development of the individual rather than merely the development of skilled manpower. Other themes of the report included the need to provide opportunities for recurrent education to people throughout life, the need to link general and vocational education, the need to create pathways in education and training, the need for flexible delivery, and the need for research and data collection.

Karpin Report

(in full Enterprising nation: Renewing Australia's managers to meet the challenges of the Asia-Pacific century) the report (published in 1995) of the Industry Task Force on Leadership and Management Skills chaired by David Karpin. The report examined worldwide enterprise trends and best practice in the development of managers, identifying ways to improve management education and the development of leadership and management skills in Australia. One of the outcomes of the report was the introduction of the Frontline Management Initiative.

key competency

any of several generic skills or competencies considered essential for people to participate effectively in the workforce. Key competencies apply to work generally, rather than being specific to work in a particular occupation or industry. The Finn Report (1991) identified six key areas of competence which were subsequently developed by the Mayer committee (1992) into seven key competencies: collecting, analysing and organising information; communicating ideas and information; planning and organising activities; working with others and in teams; using mathematical ideas and techniques; solving problems; and using technology.

key performance measure

(or KPM) one of a set of measures used to monitor or evaluate the efficiency or effectiveness of a system, which may be used to demonstrate accountability and to identify areas for improvement.

key research centres

see 'ANTA key research centres'

Kirby report

(in full The report of the Committee of Inquiry into Labour Market Programs) the report (published in 1985)of a committee chaired by Peter Kirby which recommended the rationalisation of labour market programs, the introduction of traineeships, and the establishment of the Australian Traineeship System (ATS).

KPM

see 'key performance measure'

KRIVET

Korea Research Institute for Vocational Education and Training.

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M
N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

labour force

The Australian Bureau of Statistics defines labour force as: For any group, persons who were employed or unemployed, as defined. Source: ABS cat. no. 6203.0, Labour Force, Australia, August 1999, p.70

labour force participation rate

the proportion of a defined group of people who are in the labour force.

labour market

the system of relationships between the supply of people available for employment and the available jobs.

labour market program

a program designed to increase the number of people in employment or to improve the employment prospects of a target group, e.g. by the payment of subsidies to businesses who take on long-term unemployed people, young people, etc.

LAFHA

living away from home allowance.

LANRC

Language Australia National Resource Centre.

learning

(1) the process of acquiring knowledge, attitudes, or skills from study ,instruction, or experience. Source: Miller & Findlay 1996, p.167
(2) the knowledge, attitudes, or skills acquired.

learning culture

an environment in which opportunities for learning are openly valued and supported and are built, where possible, into all activities.

learning pathway

a path or sequence of learning or experience that can be followed to attain competency. Learning pathways may be included as part of the non-endorsed component of a Training Package.

learning resource centre

(or LRC) a place in a school or college housing a collection of books and other resources (print, electronic, audiovisual, and equipment) for reference or loan to support the educational programs of the institution. Learning resource centres also conduct information literacy programs, providing instruction in the effective use of information resources. See also 'information literacy'

learning society

a society in which learning is considered important or valuable, where people are encouraged to continue to learn throughout their lives, and where the opportunity to participate in education and training is available to all. See also 'lifelong learning'

learning strategy

a non-endorsed component of a Training Package which provides information on how training programs may be organised in workplaces and training institutions. This may include information on learning pathways, model training programs, and training materials.

LearnScope

a professional development program funded by ANTA designed to assist vocational education and training providers to develop their skills in flexible delivery.

lifelong learning

the process of acquiring knowledge or skills throughout life via education, training, work and general life experiences.

LLN

language, literacy and numeracy.

logbook

a record kept by a person of the knowledge,skills or competencies attained during on-or off-the-job training.

LOTE

language(s)other than English.

LRC

see 'learning resource centre'

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M
N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

MAATS

see 'Modern Australian Apprenticeship and Traineeship System'

Management Enhancement Team Approach

(or META) a staff development process designed to improve the management skills of vocational education and training managers, especially in TAFE.

matriculation

(1) eligibility for admission to a university.
(2) (historically) an examination to qualify for university admission. See also 'Senior Secondary Certificate of Education'

Mature Age Entry Scheme

a scheme which enables admission to further education after a period away from school instead of directly from school. Usually students enrolled through such schemes have not satisfactorily completed Year 12 of secondary education and are over 21 years of age.

Mayer Report

(in full Key competencies: Report of the committee to advise the Australian Education Council and Ministers of Vocational Education, Employment and Training on employment-related key competencies for post-compulsory education and training) the report (released in 1992) of a committee chaired by Eric Mayer which developed the concept of key competencies recommended in the Finn Report (1991). See also 'key competency'

MCEETYA

see 'Ministerial Council on Education, Employment, Training and Youth Affairs'.

mentor

an experienced and trusted advisor.

MERSITAB

Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Industry Training Advisory Body Ltd, a national industry advisory body.

META

see 'Management Enhancement Team Approach'

migrant adult education

see 'adult migrant education'

MINCO

see 'ANTA Ministerial Council'

minimum competency

an essential skill for a given age, grade, or level of performance.

Ministerial Council on Education, Employment, Training and Youth Affairs

(or MCEETYA) a body comprising state, territory, Australian Government and New Zealand Ministers with responsibility for the portfolios of education, employment, training and youth affairs, with Papua New Guinea and Norfolk Island having observer status. MCEETYA's areas of responsibility include all sectors of education and training as well as employment and youth affairs. MCEETYA replaced three previously existing councils: the Australian Education Council (AEC), the Council of Ministers of Vocational Education, Employment and Training (MOVEET) and the Youth Ministers Council (YMC).

mixed-mode delivery

(also called mixed delivery) a combination of learning modes to deliver a course or module, such as distance education and face-to-face study in classes, tutorials, practical sessions or workshops.

moderation

(in assessment) the process of establishing comparability of standards of student performance across different courses, institutions or organisations, in order to ensure that assessment is valid, reliable and fair.

Modern Australian Apprenticeship and Traineeship System

(or MAATS) an entry-level training system, now known as Australian Apprenticeships.

modular course

a course composed of modules.

module

(also called subject) a unit of education or training which can be completed on its own or as part of a course. Modules may also result in the attainment of one or more units of competency.

MOVEET

Ministers of Vocational Education, Employment and Training, a former council of Australian Government, state and territory Ministers, superseded by the Ministerial Council on Education, Employment,Training and Youth Affairs (MCEETYA).

MTIA

Metal Trades Industry Association of Australia, now part of the Australian Industry Group.

multiskilling

training workers in a number of skills, enabling them to perform a variety of tasks or functions across traditional boundaries. Multiskilling may be horizontal (broad skilling), vertical (upskilling) or diagonal (contributory skilling).

mutual recognition

a feature of the Australian Quality Training Framework which allows a registered training organisation (RTO) registered in one state or territory to operate in another without a further registration process, qualifications and statements of attainment issued by any RTO to be accepted and recognised by all other RTOs, and Training Packages endorsed by the National Training Framework Committee to be delivered by all RTOs registered to do so.

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M
N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

NACVETS

see 'National Advisory Committee on Vocational Education and Training Statistics'

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Policy

(or AEP) Australia's national policy on indigenous education with the primary objective of bringing equity in education for indigenous Australians.

National Advisory Committee on Vocational Education and Training Statistics

(or NACVETS) an advisory committee to the ANTA Board on the collection and reporting of vocational education and training statistics. It replaced the Australian Committee on Vocational Education and Training Statistics (ACVETS), and is now called the National Training Statistics Committee (NTSC).

National Assessors and Workplace Trainers Body

(or NAWTB) a project group of Business Services Training Australia providing information, services and support for competency-based workplace training and assessment.

National Board of Employment, Education and Training

(or NBEET) a former body whose role was to provide co-ordinated, independent advice to the Minister for Employment, Education, Training and Youth Affairs.

National Centre for Vocational Education Research

(or NCVER) a national research, evaluation and information organisation for the vocational education and training (VET)sector in Australia, jointly owned by the Australian Government, state and territory ministers responsible for vocational education and training. As well as conducting VET research and evaluation on national projects, and commissioning and managing the national program of VET research (NVETRE), NCVER provides research, development and implementation assistance on a commercial consulting basis. NCVER also collects and disseminates national VET statistics and manages a program of surveys of VET graduate students and employers. NCVER disseminates information on VET through the VOCED research database, library and clearinghouse, conferences, workshops, sales of printed publications and maintenance of a web site (http://www. ncver.edu.au/).

National Consistency Advisory Committee

(NCAC) a committee established by the ANTA Ministerial Council. Reporting to the ANTA Board, the NCAC is working towards achieving a fully integrated national vocational education system. The NCAC is the principal consultation mechanism for work on the following issues which were identified in the June 2000 report to ANTA MINCO on national consistency.

National Employment and Training Taskforce

(also called NETTFORCE) a former body whose role was to encourage industry involvement in training.

National Framework for the Recognition of Training

(or NFROT) a framework which established national principles for accreditation of courses, registration of training providers, credit transfer, recognition of prior learning, and assessment. Replaced by the Australian Recognition Framework (ARF), and the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF).

Nationally Recognised Training

The Nationally Recognised Training logo is used to signify that the associated training has met nationally agreed standards. The logo may be displayed in association with a training organisation that has been formally recognised by the relevant State / Territory Training Authority to deliver training or it may be displayed in association with an accredited course or a Training Package and/or one of the components.

Nationally Recognised Training logo

is the approved logo used to signify that training and assessment products and services meet the requirements agreed under the National Training Framework.

National Managed Research and Evaluation Program

see 'National Vocational Education and Training Research and Evaluation Program'

National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition

(or NOOSR) a branch of the Department of Education,Training and Youth Affairs (DETYA) which provides information, advice and assistance in relation to the recognition of overseas qualifications and skills, and assists other countries in recognising Australian qualifications. National Reporting System (or NRS a national framework for reporting outcomes of adult English language, literacy and numeracy programs.

National Reporting System

a national framework for reporting outcomes of adult English language, literacy and numeracy programs

National Research Centre on Vocational Education and Training for Young People

a collaborative research centre of the University of Melbourne and RMIT University, an ANTA research partner for 2000 – 2002 under the Key Vocational Education and Training Research Centres National Project.

National Skills Framework

The National Skills Framework has been developed to simplify the way training is regulated, who is responsible for it, and how high standards of quality can be guaranteed within Australia's training system. The National Skills Framework consists of two interconnected features:

• Quality Delivery, which is ensured through the Australian Quality Training Framework's standards for Registered Training Organisations and registering authorities (STAs);
• Quality Training Products including Training Packages, accredited courses and supporting material.

National Training Board

(or NTB) a former company owned by the Australian Government, states and territories which was responsible for ratifying vocational competency standards. The NTB amalgamated with the Australian Committee for Training Curriculum (ACTRAC) to form the Standards and Curriculum Council (SCC), which was subsequently replaced by ANTA's National Training Framework Committee.

National Training Framework

the system of vocational education and training that applies nationally. It is made up of the Australian Quality Training Framework and nationally endorsed Training Packages.

National Training Quality Council (NTQC)

previously National Training Framework Committee — endorses Training Packages, and advises the ANTA Board on policies to ensure quality and national consistency of training outcomes and the relevance of training to industry and regional needs.

National Training Information Service

The National Training Information Service (NTIS) has been developed to provide access to training information and products. Currently, the NTIS comprises a database of:

• Nationally recognised qualifications
• Accredited courses
• Registered Training Organisations (RTOs)
• Units of competency
• Training Packages and
• State Training Authorities (STAs), Industry Skills Councils (ISCs) and Developers.

National Training Quality Council

(NTQC) a body established by ANTA

national training reform agenda

(or NTRA) a term given to a series of reforms in vocational education and training designed to improve the competitiveness of Australian industry, which were introduced by Australian Government, state and territory Governments from about 1990, and later overseen by the Australian National Training Authority (ANTA).

National Training Statistics Committee

(or NTSC) a committee which provides advice to the ANTA Board on the collection and reporting of vocational education and training statistics. This committee replaced the National Advisory Committee on Vocational Education and Training Statistics (NACVETS).

National Vocational Education and Training Clearinghouse Information Network

a national network of 12 clearinghouses, including one in New Zealand, holding detailed information about vocational education and training research, policy and practice in Australia and internationally, with emphasis on the Asia- Pacific region. The National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) acts as the National Clearinghouse and co-ordinates the network. Materials available from the clearinghouses are entered and indexed in the Vocational Education and Training Research Database (VOCED) produced by the National Clearinghouse and available online

National Vocational Education and Training Research and Evaluation Program

(or NVETRE); also called 'National Managed Research and Evaluation Program' — a program of research funded by the Australian National Training Authority (ANTA), managed by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) who commissions the program of research and disseminates the results to stakeholders.

National WRAPS

National Wholesale, Retail and Personal Services Industry Training Council.

NATMISS

National Management Information and Statistical System, superseded by other arrangements.

NAWTB

see 'National Assessors and Workplace Trainers Body'

NBEET

see 'National Board of Employment, Education and Training'

NCRVE

(in the US) National Center for Research in Vocational Education.

NCVER

see 'National Centre for Vocational Education Research'

neighbourhood centre

(also called neighbourhood house or community centre) a place at which social, educational, recreational, and other activities are provided for the community.

NESB

non-English-speaking background.

NETTFORCE

see 'National Employment and Training Taskforce'

Newstart Allowance

a government allowance paid to unemployed people who are actively seeking paid work and are participating in activities designed to assist their employment prospects, e.g. undertaking approved training or approved voluntary work.

NFE

see 'non-formal education'

NFITAB

National Finance Industry Training Advisory Body, a national industry advisory body.

NFROT

see 'National Framework for the Recognition of Training'

NIEF

National Industry Education Forum.

NILS

National Institute of Labour Studies, a research centre based at the Flinders University of South Australia.

nominal hours (supervised)

the hours of supervised learning or training deemed necessary to cover the educational material in a training program when undertaken in standard classroom delivery mode.

nominal hours (unsupervised)

the hours of unsupervised learning or training deemed necessary to cover the educational material associated with the delivery of a training program. These hours include the time spent in work experience, industry placement or field placement.

non-compliance

in relation to RTOs means failure to comply with one or more of the Australian Recognition Framework Standards for Registered Training Organisations

non-endorsed component

the parts of a Training Package not required to be endorsed by the National Training Framework Committee, including support materials for learning, training, assessment, and professional development.

non-formal education

(or NFE) organised education and training outside of the formal education system. Compare 'informal education'

non-standard employment

employment other than permanent full-time employment, including part-time, temporary, casual, on-call, self-employed, freelance, consulting and contracting arrangements.

NOOSR

see 'National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition'

NRS

see 'National Reporting System'

NTB

see 'National Training Board'

NTCE

Northern Territory Certificate of Education. See also 'Senior Secondary Certificate of Education'

NTETA

Northern Territory Employment and Training Authority.

NTF

see 'National Training Framework'

NTFC

see 'National Training Framework Committee'

NTIS

see 'National Training Information Service'

NTMRC

National Training Markets Research Centre, a former collaborative research centre of the National Centre for Vocational Education Research Ltd and the National Institute of Labour Studies Inc.

NTRA

see 'national training reform agenda'

NTSC

see 'National Training Statistics Committee'

NUEITAB

National Utilities and Electrotechnology Industry Training Advisory Body Ltd, a national industry advisory body.

NVETRE

see 'National Vocational Education and Training Research and Evaluation Program'

NVQ

(in the UK)Natio